SAN ANTONIO (TX)
WOAI-TV, NBC-4 [San Antonio TX]
August 13, 2023
A priest from the St. Monica’s Catholic church was removed from the Parish after sexual abuse allegations with a minor.
According to their Facebook Livestream, it was announced that there were substantiated allegations of sexually inappropriate physical contact with a minor by former father Alejandro Ortega.
The child reported the inappropriate contact on June 24, 2023, during a Teen ACTS Retreat at another Parish at the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
The Parish reported it to the parents and to the Archdiocese.
They informed the Bexar County District Attorney’s Special Crime Division of the allegation on June 29th.
On the recommendation of the Archdiocese and Review Board, they conducted a preliminary investigation. They asked Father Ortega to refrain from all ministries.
The investigation was conducted by a private investigator. They concluded the investigation on July 27th. Following the review of conclusions, there was enough evidence of inappropriate contact with the minor to require that they refer it to the Vicariate of Faith in Rome for their judgment in this matter.
They said that Father Ortega still poses a further risk to minors, that he should not return to ministry, and that the affected ministry should be informed.
Investigations showed that Father Ortega numerous times engaged in unwanted and sexually inappropriate physical contact with an adult woman.
This is the first allegation that he had been involved with a minor.
They encouraged anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse to contact the authorities.
“I would like to publicly express my gratitude to the survivor for bravely coming forward and helping our Church by sharing this personal and painful experience. I hope that this will also assist the healing process and provide inspiration to other survivors of sexual abuse to report to the authorities these tragic incidents. The archdiocese takes seriously any allegation of sexual misconduct with children. The safety and well-being of all people are very important, and the church’s safe environment policies seek to protect all of God’s children. We encourage anyone who is a victim of sexual abuse to contact the police.”